Sarah Harding’s father pays emotional tribute to ‘beautiful daughter’ after first Christmas without her
Sarah Harding. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Sarah Harding’s father has paid tribute to his late daughter in public for the first time since her tragic death.
The Girls Aloud star was estranged from her father for much of her adult life but spoke of him fondly in her memoir, released shortly before she died from breast cancer in September.
John Hardman, a musician and record studio producer, opened up about the impact of losing Sarah in an Instagram post Sunday (26 December), remembering her as his “beautiful daughter”.
Sharing an old photograph of the beloved star, John wrote: “In memory of my beautiful daughter Sarah Harding (Hardman) this Christmas.
“I cherish the moments we had together before and during her illness. We all miss her greatly, and we thank her fans for their love and kindness, wishing them and their families a very happy Christmas.
“One can only try to stay safe in such difficult times.”
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“Sarah was a beautiful soul,” one of his followers commented. “Cherish your memories and I’m so happy you got to see her through her darkest days.”
“Thank you, everybody,” John later commented. “Good New Year to all.”
Sarah Harding remembered by loved ones
Sarah Harding was diagnosed with an advanced form of breast cancer in August 2020 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy in a bid to prolong her life.
She died in September, touching off an outpouring of grief. Many remembered Sarah as a spirited and gentle optimist who used her music to uplift those around her.
Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts said of her: “Electric girl, you made us. You gave it everything and still with a smile.”
Kimberley Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Nadine Coyle, Cheryl Cole and Sarah Harding of Girls Aloud perform at The O2 Arena. (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
Before her death, Sarah released Hear Me Out, written as she underwent treatment.
In it, she praised her father as a “talented musician”.
“My dad was hugely into music,” she wrote.
“I vividly remember the photo of him and his guitar which was on display at my granny’s house.
“Dad has been in quite a few bands over the years and one of the things we have in common is that we’ve both performed at The Royal Variety Performance and met the Queen. How cool is that?”
Sarah stopped speaking to her father in 2000 after he split from her mother, changing her surname from Hardman to Harding.
